Innovation in Community Entrepreneurship Development

Abstract

          This academic article aims to study and propose guidelines for the development of community entrepreneurship by utilizing innovation as the key driver to enable community enterprises to keep pace with change. Based on a review of relevant literature, the study compiled and synthesized knowledge regarding the definition and significance of innovation, coupled with an analysis of the meaning, characteristics, and importance of community entrepreneurship. This process established a conceptual framework for sustainable development through appropriate innovation for community enterprises. The findings indicate that to effectively enhance the competitiveness of community entrepreneurship, it is essential to adopt an integrated development approach across two critical dimensions: 1) the development of the potential of entrepreneurs and personnel, and 2) the development of the management system. Innovation serves as the strategy to drive this development. The article presents specific guidelines and innovations for both dimensions, comprising innovations for enhancing the potential of community entrepreneurs and innovations for developing the management system's potential. These must be implemented simultaneously and in a balanced manner, fostering interconnected development across various issues such as the development of hard skills (professional skills) and soft skills (behavioral skills), the promotion of creative thinking skills, the application of digital technology in management, and the creation of collaborative networks, among others. A key finding is that the innovation adopted must align with the organizational context and the community's way of life. The goal is to increase competitiveness, create added value for products and services, and establish a strong, self-reliant, and sustainable grassroots economy. This leads to a form of development that achieves balance among people, organization, and community, which is comparable to development based on the principles of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.